Philenews

Japan: AI-Powered Robot Monk Offers Spiritual Guidance

Published February 26, 2026, 14:14
Japan: AI-Powered Robot Monk Offers Spiritual Guidance

Scientists from Kyoto University in Japan have unveiled an AI-powered robot monk, dubbed “Buddharoid,” designed to offer spiritual guidance, answer philosophical questions, and potentially assist in religious ceremonies. The robot has been trained on Buddhist scriptures and possesses advanced language capabilities. The program aims to address the issue of an aging population and a lack of manpower in Japanese Buddhism. Its creators believe that robots could help perform religious ceremonies in the future. “Buddharoid” is equipped with language models from OpenAI and other companies and can speak, gesture, and move like a human. It differs from previous religious robots, such as simulations of Jesus Christ, as it can conduct dynamic conversations and adapt to circumstances. During its presentation, the robot appeared dressed in a robe and conversed with attendees, performing traditional prayer gestures. The creation of “Buddharoid” is an interesting example of the use of AI in a religious context and raises questions about the role of technology in spirituality.